GA&U contracted with Christopher Tolkien to sign 100 copies of the book, but did not follow through with that. The signed copies would sell more easily than the other copies, so why would they not have done this? I would think that we know that at least 100 signed copies exist.

I am really interested now to know exactly how many signed and non-signed copies were sold.

Indeed it does. I assumed that the regular members of this board would all know where the name Trotter comes from, having all read the History of Middle-Earth volumes that deal with the History of the Lord of the Rings.

Although I use this name I am glad that Tolkien changed the character to Strider, I don't think a Hobbit Ranger who wore boots has the same gravitas as Strider does in the finished book.

Well, I must confess to not having read 'The History of Middle Earth,' in its entirety. I have only gotten through pieces of it, but enough to have known of 'Trotter.' It is a clever screen name and I like it. Mine is bit more lame, however. Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, and loving the sunsets and 'alpinglow' that you get on the mountain sides in the evening is what led to my name. I really have no particular affection for the Dwarves, but 'Gloin' just sort of fit.

Anyway, it is indeed funny to think of a Hobbit Ranger named 'Trotter,' with the clickety-clack sound of his wooden shoes, fighting off wraiths at Weathertop. What about the name, 'Fosco?'